What happened
Türkiye’s Council of State Sixth Chamber has ruled in favour of the urgent expropriation of 679 plots for YK Enerji’s planned expansion of its coal area in Milas district, Muğla.
The chamber had previously suspended the measure. It later reversed that position, dismissed the request to annul the expropriation and found the procedure lawful, according to the report.
Esra Işık, an Akbelen campaigner from İkizköy, said residents now fear that removal notices may arrive without warning. She called for public support, arguing that the outcome could influence land-rights campaigns elsewhere in Türkiye.
Why it matters
The decision affects households and landholders in the 679 plots covered by the urgent acquisition process. It also removes the judicial suspension that had temporarily limited the measure’s implementation.
For YK Enerji, the ruling supports its effort to secure land for the reported coal-field expansion. For residents, the immediate issue is the prospect of enforcement action, including removal from homes and relocation of graves, as raised by Işık.
The report does not identify any EU-related legal obligation or commercial requirement arising from the case.
Background
Akbelen has become a focal point for opposition to the expansion of coal operations in the area. Işık said the dispute extends beyond the local case because campaigners see it as relevant to other land disputes.
Separately, Işık was prosecuted after protests during an expert inspection in the region. A Milas criminal court gave her a prison sentence of two years and one month for resisting an official, while deferring the announcement of the judgment.
What’s next
The duration of the appeal process is not known. Işık said residents believe eviction notifications could be delivered at any point and urged supporters to follow developments in Akbelen.
